Identification
12-13 cm in length, tail adds another 20cm to this. Adult male - black back and crown, and a very long black tail, dark brown wings with white patches, underparts, head, are white. The bill is bright red.

Distribution
Africa south of the Sahara Desert; however, feral population from introduced individuals are sometimes found, e.g., in Puerto Rico and Singapore.

Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species, however, a second subspecies arenosa is sometimes recognized.

Habitat
Open habitats including open woodland, scrub and cultivation.

Behaviour
It is a brood parasite laying its eggs in the nests of estrildid finches, especially waxbills. In South Africa, the primary host is Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild. In Puerto Rico, only introduced species are parasitized, none of the natives. 2-4 white eggs are added to those already present.